Sausage Penne
Indulge in the hearty comfort of Sausage Penne, a classic pasta dish that's bursting with robust Italian flavors. Featuring tender penne perfectly coated in a creamy, tomato-based sauce, this recipe stars savory Italian sausage and aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and fresh basil. A touch of heavy cream lends a velvety richness, while optional red pepper flakes add a hint of spice for those who crave heat. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy one-skillet recipe is ready in just 45 minutes and serves four generously. Garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it's a crowd-pleasing dish that's as satisfying as it is simple. Perfect for fans of comfort food, Italian cuisine, and quick dinner ideas!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add the heavy cream, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the fresh basil and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3419 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 184.0 g | 236% | |
| Saturated Fat | 68.4 g | 342% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 427 mg | 142% | |
| Sodium | 7176 mg | 312% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 316.0 g | 115% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.2 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.5 g | ||
| Protein | 135.6 g | 271% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 784 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 25.7 mg | 143% | |
| Potassium | 3732 mg | 79% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
